CAROLINE Flack’s rugby player ex Danny Cipriani paid tribute to the star by joining his Gloucester teammates in wearing “be kind” shirts for their match.
The sportsman lead the emotional tribute to his former girlfriend tonight almost two weeks after she took her own life.
Gloucester Rugby Club dedicated its Premiership Rugby match against Sale Sharks to shining a light on mental health and promoting kindness.
The team had the words ‘Be Kind’ across the back above their numbers.
Fly-half Danny ran out with his team at Gloucester Rugby’s home Kingsholm Stadium – with each of his fellow players proudly displaying the words on the back of their cherry and white hooped shirts.
The club will also donate £5 from every ticket purchase to Gloucester & District Samaritans.
Promoting the #bekind campaign, Danny said: “Caroline was one of the most caring, genuine people I ever met.
“She endured unimaginable criticism during her years in the public eye but through it all, she just wanted people to show a little kindness to each other. And that’s a message that should be her legacy – be kind.
“We all have spells of self-doubt, anxiety and low points. Nobody needs other people to point out their flaws and make them feel worse about themselves. A little kindness goes a long way.”
Danny dated Caroline for eight weeks in 2019 and they remained close after their relationship ended on good terms.
He recently revealed he still has a voicemail from Caroline that she left two weeks before she died.
Danny said he hasn’t listened to it yet, but will share it “at some point” because “people need to hear it”.
He also told fans that he hadn’t been able to return the 40-year-old’s calls and texts on the night before she died because he was playing for Gloucester against Exeter in the Gallagher Premiership.
In an emotional 18-minute video released last week, Danny explained he had suffered suicidal thoughts himself in the past.
The final picture of Caroline Flack taken the day before her death
Yesterday he shared his last messages with Caroline showing him asking her: “Why you just OK? Want you smiling”, and Caroline replied: “Well got court case coming up.”
Insisting “embarrassment and shame” killed her, Danny said the CPS and police didn’t “do a good job” on her assault case.
She had been accused of attacking her boyfriend Lewis Burton during a row at their home before Christmas.
The day before her death she was told the CPS was pursuing a case against her – despite Lewis dropping the charges.
- Gloucester Rugby v Sale Sharks kick-offs at 7.45pm on Friday 28 February, live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate.
